Can You Add a Mini Split to Your Central Air System?

Have you been dealing with hot spots in your home? Does it feel like no matter how much you adjust your AC’s thermostat, you can never seem to get comfortable? At Armour Air, we’ve got the solution! Adding a mini split to central air is better than cranking up your central AC and watching the energy bills soar. Many homeowners don’t realize that mini split systems can actually work alongside their existing central air, creating a hybrid setup that tackles specific problem areas and maintains overall home comfort. Keep reading to learn more. 

Why Add a Mini Split to an Existing Central Air System?

Maybe it’s the upstairs bedroom that turns into a sauna every summer afternoon, or a garage that becomes a heat box because the AC can’t reach it effectively. These problem areas happen for logical reasons. 

Your central air system was designed for your home’s original layout, and life has a way of changing those plans. When you add square footage, convert spaces, or deal with rooms that face the afternoon sun, your existing system might struggle to keep up. This is where mini split additions come into play. 

Benefits of mini split system additions

There are a few benefits to adding a mini split to your central AC.

• Zone temperature controls: Unlike central air, which tries to cool your entire home to one temperature, mini splits let you customize different comfort zones. That scorching hot upstairs room can be a cool 68 degrees while your main living area stays at a comfortable 73. 
• Energy savings: Instead of overcooling your home just to make one room comfortable, you’re only conditioning the space that needs it. You will see your energy bills drop significantly once you stop fighting with a central air system’s limitations.
• Quiet systems: Mini splits are remarkably quiet. Compared to the whoosh of air through your vents and the cycling of a central unit, you’ll hear a dramatic difference. 

Most modern mini splits can both heat and cool a room. These are called heat pump mini splits, and they’re a common standard today for great efficiency.

How Mini Splits Work with Central Air

Air conditioning setups are all about finding the air conditioner that suits your lifestyle best. The beauty of creating a hybrid climate control model by adding a mini split to your existing setup is that it doesn’t interfere with your central system. 

Your central air system continues to maintain a consistent temperature throughout most of your home using the existing ductwork. Meanwhile, the mini split handles specific hot zones that need extra attention or different temperature preferences. 

During milder weather, you may want to shut down the central system entirely and rely on mini splits only in occupied rooms, maximizing efficiency and lowering power bills. 

Mini split installations 

Amarillo Air’s mini split installation process is more straightforward than extending central air ductwork. A mini split only requires a small hole through your exterior wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units with refrigerant lines and electrical connections. 

During those in-between months when it’s not quite hot enough for full central AC, mini splits provide perfect spot cooling without the energy waste of cooling an entire house. 

There is no limit to how many mini splits you can add to your home, but most large homes don’t usually require more than 8 to 10 multizone systems.  

Factors to Consider Before Adding a Mini Split

Before you start shopping for mini splits, take a look at why your central system isn’t working properly or meeting your current needs. 

• Central AC needs maintenance: Sometimes the issue is maintenance needs, ductwork problems, or thermostat placement. 
• Incorrect sizing: With central AC units and mini splits, size matters, but not in the way you might think. Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized unit will cycle on and off, reducing efficiency and failing to properly dehumidify the air. 
• Electrical requirements: Many mini splits need a dedicated circuit. If your electrical panel is already maxed out or if you’re dealing with older wiring, your home may need electrical upgrades.
• Costs: The typical cost to install a mini split is a wide range from $2,000 to $10,000 plus. Things like brand type, size, and electrical upgrades all come into play. 
• Permit needs: Many areas require permits for mini split installation, and some neighborhoods have restrictions on where outdoor units can be placed. Amarillo Air will educate you on the current permit needs and take care of these for you. 

A professional evaluation from Amarillo Air will help you determine whether adding a mini split is the best solution or if your existing system just needs some attention. 

During this evaluation, we will take the time to properly calculate the cooling load for the specific areas you want to address. Factors like ceiling height, insulation, window size and orientation, and number of people living in the household all influence what size unit you need.  

Take time to identify your specific comfort challenges, understand your options, and work with qualified Amarillo Air professionals who can help you create a system that makes sense for your home and lifestyle.

We service all areas in Amarillo, Texas, including Bushland and Canyon.  

Contact Amarillo Air for Mini Splits and all Air Conditioning Needs

Adding a mini split to your existing central air system might be the smartest approach to solving your specific comfort problems without breaking your wallet. This hybrid approach gives you whole-house coverage of central air combined with the targeted efficiency and control of mini splits. Amarillo Air specializes in all mini split additions and central AC maintenance and repairs. Contact us today for any consultations or air conditioner services.